In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
Present simple example sentences | |
---|---|
I don't think it's possible to find anymore variations. | |
Why? What's wrong? | |
Where is your school, is it in central London? | |
Yeah, and the market is good, is Camden Lock in zone-2 or 3? | |
They weigh everything at the checkout. | |
I've only got Saturday left before I have to move on Sunday. | |
Alright, I think I know who he is... | |
Thank you again for giving me your turn. | |
That's a perfect time to see a house... | |
I live just opposite the pub. | |
Okay, what temperature do you want me to set it at? | |
I don't know, maybe it helps a bit! | |
Let me check... Yes, there are some plates. | |
That's why you can't find the answer! | |
Nope, oyster cards are only for transport in London. | |
360 degrees should be good. | |
That's true! How much is your rent? | |
This is the last one and, unfortunately, it has a hole in it. | |
Everything is the same as it's advertised. | |
They are both okay for me. |